How much does it cost to sell a house is one of the first questions homeowners ask when preparing to list. Many sellers focus only on the final purchase price and neglect the full cost of selling. Ignoring these costs can turn what should be a profitable transaction into a stressful, expensive experience.

This guide walks through every major cost sellers face, real numbers sellers should expect, and common mistakes that can erode proceeds if not accounted for.

Realtor Commissions: The Largest Expense

One of the biggest costs when selling a home is the real estate commission. In most markets, the commission is split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent.

Typical commission rates range from about 4 to 6 percent of the sale price. For example, on a 500,000 home, total commission could be 20,000 to 30,000.

This cost pays for marketing, negotiation, contract handling, and support through closing. Many sellers assume they can save by reducing commission, but doing so often results in less exposure and fewer offers.

Internal link: If you plan to sell fast and price correctly, see How to Price Your Home to Sell in 2026

Closing Costs and Legal Fees

Closing costs are another significant part of how much does it cost to sell a house. These usually include:

• Title insurance
• Lawyer or notary fees
• Disbursement fees
• Transfer taxes (varies by location)

Legal fees for closing can range from about 800 to 2,000 in many markets. Some closing costs are fixed, while others depend on the sale price. It’s important to estimate these ahead of time so you know the true net proceeds from your sale.

External link: Learn more about closing costs from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
https://www.consumerfinance.gov

Repairs and Pre Listing Work

Most homes require some work before they go on the market. Buyers notice issues like peeling paint, leaky faucets, or stuck doors. Even small deferred maintenance items can reduce offers.

Common pre listing repairs include:

• Painting
• Flooring repairs
• Fixing leaky plumbing
• Roof or gutter maintenance

Sellers sometimes skip this step to save money, but homes that are ready to show often sell faster and for more money. Investing in necessary repairs helps prevent lowball offers and costly renegotiations later.

Staging and Presentation

Staging helps buyers imagine living in your home. Presentation costs can vary widely. Some sellers spend a few hundred dollars on decluttering and cleaning. Others hire professional stagers, which can cost 1,000 to 5,000 or more depending on the size of the home.

Research shows that staged homes often sell faster and for more money than un staged homes. At minimum, investing in a deep clean and removing personal items can improve buyer response and offers.

Photography and Marketing

High quality photos are essential today. Most buyers start their search online. Poor photos reduce interest, resulting in fewer showings and lower offers. Professional photography can cost 200 to 500 or more, but it is a small investment compared to the overall selling price.

Additional marketing, such as video tours, virtual tours, social media promotion, and targeted advertising, may add costs. However, these strategies frequently increase exposure and attract more competitive offers.

Taxes and Capital Gains

Depending on your situation, selling a home may result in taxes, especially if it is not your primary residence. Capital gains taxes can reduce net profit. Sellers who qualify for a principal residence exemption may avoid capital gains tax. Understanding tax implications before listing is important so you are not surprised after closing.

External link: Capital gains tax basics from the Canada Revenue Agency
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency

Holding Costs While the Home Is Listed

Selling does not always happen instantly. While your home is on the market, you continue to incur costs such as:

• Mortgage payments
• Utilities
• Insurance
• Property taxes

If your home takes longer to sell, these costs add up. Budgeting for some buffer can reduce stress if your home stays listed for longer than expected.

Home Inspection and Buyer Requests

Many buyers schedule pre purchase inspections, and issues found in inspections often lead to repair requests or credits. Being prepared to address inspection items or negotiate appropriately is another cost sellers should expect as part of how much does it cost to sell a house.

Common Seller Questions

Q: Are realtor commissions negotiable
A: Yes. Commission rates are negotiable, but lower rates can affect the level of service and exposure your home receives.

Q: Should I budget for staging
A: Yes. Presentation matters, and investment in staging usually improves buyer interest and offers.

Q: Do I pay closing costs
A: Yes. Sellers typically pay closing costs unless otherwise agreed in the contract.

Q: Will repairs reduce offers
A: Homes with noticeable issues often attract lower offers. Fixing issues upfront can lead to stronger offers.

Final Thoughts on How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House

So how much does it cost to sell a house The total cost varies, but most sellers should expect to invest in commissions, closing fees, repairs, staging, marketing, and holding costs. Planning for these expenses up front helps you price, negotiate, and prepare your home to achieve the best possible result.

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